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Dallas Mavs WATCH: Luka Doncic Reacts to North Korea Missile Scare

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic shared his reaction to receiving alerts warning of possible North Korean missile activity.

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Dallas Mavericks

OKINAWA, Japan — As teams competing in Okinawa, Japan, prepared for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, a surprise was thrown into the time-zone acclimation process for Slovenia and all other teams with a concerning phone alert on Wednesday.

At roughly 4:00 am, an emergency siren in the city was raised due to North Korea missile activity in the region. Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was among players to receive the alert.

"Oh yeah, the alarm was crazy," Doncic said of the siren noise. "I mean, I just saw missiles. It's coming. Missile, it's coming. So I was a little scared."

A statement was released by FIBA detailing the situation, mentioning Japan's use of the J-Alert system to alert citizens beginning at 3:54 am, then concluding at 4:07 am.

"Due to the launch of a satellite by North Korea, the Japanese Government sent two alarms via the “J-Alert system” on all cell phones in Okinawa early this morning," the statement said. "The first was sent at 3:54 am and the second at 4:07 am, clearing the alarm."

An additional use of the J-Alert system could come in October, based on information from a notice by North Korea that was referenced by FIBA.

"In case the J-Alert system is activated, everyone is advised to stay or go inside to a nearby building," the statement explained. "According to the North Korea's notice, the next test could potentially take place in October."

Doncic and the Slovenian national team begin competition at the World Cup with a matchup against Venezuela on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Okinawa Arena. 

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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